His remarks were in response to the increasing likelihood Israel will
go to early elections due to a coalition dispute over the Tal Law.

Steinitz added that one of the first issues the next Knesset "must
consider" is "changing the form of government or the election system."

He also raised the possibility of adopting a presidential system,
saying “The economy needs a stable government for 4-5-year stretches.”

In Israel´s current parliamentary system of coalition governments the
leading lawmakers from each party assume executive responsibility for
various ministries.

In recent years this has led to charges that individual parties
frequently use their ministries to pursue their own political agendas
instead of government policy.

Of particular note are charges by Likud lawmakers that Defense
Minister Ehud Barak has pursued a private agenda divergent from
government policy in Judea and Samaria.

It can also lead to routine governmental collapse when coalition
parties cannot agree on a given course of action.

Under a presidential system, Israel´s executive and legislature would
be separate and lawmakers woule likely be required to resign their
posts to serve as ministers.

Such a reality, analysts say, would likely result in staunch
opposition from party leaders intent on retaining both legislative
and executive power.

Proponents of presidential systems argue they have four distinct
advantages: direct elections, separation of powers, speed and
decisiveness, and stability.

The exact form of presidential government Steinitz advocates remains
unknown, however reformers in the ruling Likud party have attempted
to introduce several "American style" reforms vis-a-vis Israel´s
judiciary in the past year.